Sewing and mending
Clothes, bedding, bags and tarps wear out and there will be no shop. Basic mending keeps them in use.
How
- Learn the core hand stitches: backstitch for split seams, slip, blind and catch stitches for hems, and blanket stitch for patches (University of Tennessee 4-H).
- Learn to sew on buttons with a thread shank, and to attach snaps and hooks and eyes with double thread (University of Tennessee 4-H).
- Practise patching and darning on worn clothes before they are needed.
- If you own a hand-crank or treadle sewing machine, learn to thread, oil and adjust it from its manual.
- Youth route: 4-H sewing and clothing projects (US).
Sources
- 4-H Clothing: hand sewing and mending (Activity 10). University of Tennessee Extension 4-H, accessed 2026-11
- 4-H projects: all projects. Washington State University Extension 4-H, accessed 2026-11